Though Derby may appear small when compared with other business hubs in the UK and Europe, this works to the city's advantage, as its business community is welcoming, interlinked and possesses a real zeal to move the city forward.

Free zones are often seen as a cure-all remedy to the problems developing economies encounter when trying to attract FDI. However, the reality is that such projects need careful planning and long-term support if they are to fulfil such wishes, as Barbara Njau discovers.

The US city of Houston has a lot to offer as a business destination, as its strong record in FDI proves. Its only problem, says the city's mayor, Annise Parker, is in trying to shake off outdated negative perceptions.

A network of businesses is springing up in Newcastle and the north-east of England, catering to the demands of the offshore oil and gas industry. But can the region overcome perceived supply chain shortcomings while addressing a dearth of skilled labour?

Thanks to its oil reserves, Angola has gone from an economic basket case to sub-Saharan Africa’s third biggest economy in just 10 years. Production is expected to continue rise steadily until 2020 when, if the most optimistic predictions about the country’s pre-salt reserves prove accurate, its output could skyrocket.

Economic free zones, political stability and diversification have fuelled development and growth in Sharjah – the emirate now accounts for one-third of the UAE's manufacturing sector – but its government has further plans to maximise its appeal to international investors.

As animosity between North America and China grows, North America is being increasingly protectionist in its FDI policies, which Chinese investors are rebuffing with claims that they lack clarity and transparency.